Recycling rates set to increase even further thanks to new litter contract

Changes in the way that litter-bin rubbish is processed is expected to boost recycling rates in Bridgend County Borough.

Previously, items that have been placed in public litter-bins have been processed and converted into energy or sent to landfill, but following a change of contractor, they will now all be diverted and recycled.

Bridgend County Borough already has one of the highest recycling rates in Wales and the UK, and it is about to become even better. We are delighted that a new contract with Derwen Recycling Ltd has enabled us to put even more emphasis on recycling.

Over the past decade, our recycling rates have soared and we are now recycling over 69 per cent of our waste, which is up from just 46 per cent in 2010.

Of course, the best way to deal with litter is to take it home with you so that it can be recycled there – this also prevents public litter bins from becoming too full during the busy holiday periods.

Deputy Leader Hywel Williams

As part of a separate project to encourage people to take more direct responsibility for the waste that they produce, a review of litter-bin locations is also underway.

With new houses and numerous other developments at various stages of completion around the county borough, the local authority is carrying out the review to establish whether litter-bins are in the right spot for meeting the needs of local residents, or if their locations need to be adjusted.

It follows recent efforts to combat littering through highly successful projects such as the ‘Love It, Don’t Trash It!’ initiative, the launch of a new community engagement team and the establishment of local litter hubs where volunteers can access equipment and supplies.

Litter hubs already in place at Caerau Community Centre, the offices of Pencoed Community Council, Coney Beach Surf Café and the KPC Youth Centre in Pyle.

A new hub is set to open at the Rest Bay Watersports Centre within Beach Academy Wales, and plans are in place for extending the scheme to Brackla, the Ogmore Valley, Bryncethin, Porthcawl and Maesteg.